Carabba's

I love food. 

Food tastes better when I don't cook it. If money were no object, I'd have a cook, especially after a long day or long week. 

Instead, eating out or take out is an ideal option even though our budget would disagree. Fortunately, I can be creative in order to satisfy both dining and budget needs. 

This past Christmas season, in the hustle of choosing gifts, we purchased a gift card to Carrabba's and received in return a gift card of smaller value.  

One such Friday, we decided to use this gift card and make it stretch farther. Rather than the usual table for 2, we decided to place an online order for take out with the intention of rounding out the dinner at home. My husband and I decided to divide and conquer: one would cook the pasta at home, the other would pick up the order. 

We placed an order for 1 salmon entrée topped with tomato, cucumber, and dill with a lemon white wine sauce. The entrée comes with a side along with soup or salad. We chose the garlic mashed potatoes, Caesar salad, and their signature olive oil and herbs for the bread. We made our own pasta to add to the dinner. 

 Dividing the ordered entrée between us and the home made pasta, there was more than enough. 

The total for one entrée was $21.39, less a $10 gift card, we paid $11.39.

We enjoyed a gourmet meal and lack of effort without paying for the atmosphere. It was the perfect solution for a fatigued week, lack of desire to cook, and the need to be budget conscious.